High Park — Toronto’s Forest Playground for City Pups
If adventure had an address, it would probably be High Park Dog Off-Leash Area. Tucked inside Toronto’s largest green space, this place feels like stepping into a secret woodland made just for dogs. Trees everywhere, trails that twist and turn, and the kind of earthy air that makes tails wag on instinct.
We spent the afternoon running through the forest paths, chasing leaves, and posing between the trees whenever the sun peeked through. Every corner felt like a new discovery — and honestly, we could’ve stayed there all day.
Location & Vibe
You’ll find the off-leash area just off Colborne Lodge Drive, deep within the heart of High Park. It’s a big, shaded space with winding trails, open patches for running, and plenty of logs and roots to hop over.
The mix of tall pines, maples, and oaks creates a canopy of light that changes throughout the day — soft in the morning, golden in the afternoon. The vibe here is calm but full of energy; dogs roam freely, humans chat on the paths, and everything feels a little bit magical.
What Makes It Special
This isn’t your typical flat field dog park — it’s terrain. High Park’s trails dip, rise, and curve through the forest, making it perfect for dogs who love to explore.
You’ll find a big open clearing near the center for fetch games and photo moments, but most of the charm lies in the paths themselves — earthy trails with bursts of sunlight, crunchy leaves, and a few squirrels to keep things interesting.
There are waste bins at the main entrances, though not throughout the trails, so bring a bag holder or small pack with you.
Beyond the Dog Park
Step outside the off-leash area and High Park turns into a full city escape.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find Grenadier Pond, where ducks, swans, and the occasional heron glide across the water. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind after a play session — dogs can watch the ripples (from the path!) while you catch your breath.
Farther up the hill, open lawns and quiet gardens give you that classic park-day feeling — picnics, families, and the hum of weekend life in the city. In spring and fall, the colors here are unreal — gold, red, and green all at once.
Whether you’re walking solo, meeting friends, or cooling down after zoomies, High Park feels like a pocket of the wild right in Toronto.
Photographer’s Notes
High Park is one of those rare spots where light and texture work together beautifully. The forest canopy breaks sunlight into soft beams, creating natural highlights that flatter every fur color.
Early morning and late afternoon are ideal — the light is gentle, and the trails feel quiet and calm. Portraits look especially warm when sunlight hits the tree trunks, and motion shots pop thanks to the textured ground and layered background.
If your pup wears a harness, stick to solid colors — they contrast nicely with the deep greens and browns of the forest.
Zoey’s Verdict
“11/10 sniff spots! Endless trails, soft dirt, and mystery smells around every corner. No lake here, but who needs it when the forest is this fun?”
Plan Your Visit
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Hours: Open daily
Parking: Lots available throughout High Park; the closest to the off-leash area is near Colborne Lodge Drive
Leash rules: Off-leash allowed only within the designated fenced and semi-fenced areas; leash required elsewhere in the park
Want Photos at High Park?
High Park is perfect for natural, story-driven portraits — especially for dogs who love to explore trails or chase leaves. The forest light, earthy tones, and open trails make every photo session feel like an adventure.
Book a session →
Let’s create portraits that capture your dog’s wild side — one leaf crunch at a time. 🍂✨
Toronto is full of photogenic pup spots! Check out our roundup of The Best Dog Photography Spots in Toronto for even more tail-wagging adventures.
